Fruit Products Order (FPO) 1955

Constituted under the Essential Commodities Act, it is mandatory for all manufacturers of Fruit and Vegetable Products to obtain a license under FPO. The act is implemented by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India through the Directorate of Fruit & Vegetable Processing at its Regional Offices.

The Fruit Product Order (FPO) lays down statutory minimum standards for the quality of various fruits and vegetable products, including the processing facilities at manufacture, storage, and sale. The Agricultural Marketing Advisor is authorized by law to issue a license for manufacturing fruits and vegetable products after inspecting the factory for hygiene, sanitation, and quality of formulation.

Periodic inspections by government inspectors are conducted to ensure conformity with standards by processors. Licensees are empowered to use the FPO specification mark on their products. The products covered under the FPO include: fruit juice, pulp concentrate, squashes, cordials, crush, fruit syrups, nectar, aerated water containing fruit juice or pulp, and ready-to-serve beverages. Based on their quality, the products are graded into four categories: ordinary, fair, good, and special.

The FPO specifications cover the list of constituents, permissible colors, and minimum quality requirements for products. An expert committee, known as the Central Food Product Advisory Committee, deals with all matters related to the FPO.

FPO Specific Requirements:

Containers and labeling requirements.
Limits of poisonous metals in fruit products.
List of permissible harmless food colors.
Limits for permitted preservatives in fruit products.
Other permitted additives.